“Kara has such a bad attitude when the teacher corrects her. She is so immature,” said sixteen-year-old Amber.

“Yeah, you’re right. She really needs to grow up,” added Jake.

“Guys, we are not being very mature either. I think we should stop talking about her,” said Nathan. “If we cannot think of something good to say about her, we shouldn’t say anything.”

When one of our close friends or co-workers begins verbally putting down someone else, we are faced with one of two options:

1. We can vent our own personal frustration with that person by joining in.

2. We can put a stop to the negative conversation by saying something positive about the person mentioned.

Only we can decide whether our reaction will glorify the Lord or give place to the devil. By contributing to conversations which degrade others, we will not only hurt our testimony, but we will also open the door for a bad attitude to creep in. In contrast, God’s Word tells us when we keep our tongues, we will save ourselves much trouble.

When your boss cuts corners on his responsibilities, yet holds you to a strict standard, do you verbally tear him down when you are alone with your co-workers? When a member of the congregation reacts irrationally to correction, do you gossip about their faults to your friends? Save your soul from much trouble. Purpose to keep your tongue.